Our top fragrance balms

Monday, 5 August 2013

Anyone who ever got to watch their grandmother go through her beauty routine will probably be familiar with solid perfumes. Nowhere near as common as liquid fragrances, these handy balms are slowly regaining popularity and becoming more readily available.

They are thought to have originated as far back as Ancient Egypt, and were extremely popular in the first half of the twentieth century. They are usually made of a wax substance that is heated before scents are added, and then set to the correct consistency.

So why opt for a solid fragrance?
They’re small, compact and easy to carry in your purse, plus they don’t leak or spill.
They’re usually very affordable, and because they’re a bit more difficult to come by, they make beautiful and special gifts.
They contain mostly natural ingredients.
They are usually long lasting, and as the base notes take a little longer to develop than they do in a liquid eau de toilettes, you’ll be smelling beautiful all day long.

Apply either with the tip of your finger or with a cotton swab, and pop the tin into your bag to re-apply for post-work drinks.

Anien studied English and journalism before heading off into the world of beauty. An undercover "tree hugger" and fashion lover, she's usually found with her nose in a magazine. She has far too many bottles of nail polish and is completely lost without her lip balm.
Anien on Google+

Great to know there are other options out there to carry fragrance with you. With the clutch bag being this season’s must have item, it’s very difficult to fit in all the necessary items. These small compact fragrances will be perfect for summer!

I have solid perfume by Estee Lauder, part of their collectors items range. The scents are quite potent. I’ve had it for about 5 years now and I don’t use it very often but 5 years is a long time and therefore it’s worth it. Although I would have thought it’s more expensive because its not a readily available as liquid perfume.

I like solid fragrance balms for everyday use. Most of the time, the scents are feminine and lovely for work. There is an Optiphi solid fragrance I am dying to get my hands on because I read a good review on it. Has anyone tried any of the above?

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